Sunday, September 18, 2011

Messi made a hat-trick as Barca answered emphatically to questions over their motivation by demolishing Osasuna 8-0 in a staggering display of attacking football at Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi scored his 1st goal after just 5 minutes as the Spanish and European champions rebounded from 2 successive draws to deliver the perfect reaction to critics who claimed they had become self-satisfied with success.

Fabregas, playing in attack with Pedro Rodriguez rested, soon scored their 2nd before Villa rounded the keeper just after the half-hour mark and slotted home. An own-goal from Ruben Gonzalez added to Osasuna's misery and Lionel Messi was on target again before the break.

There was no drop in pace this time from Barcelona as in their games against Sociedad and AC Milan, and they kept on to punish Osasuna. Xavi lobbed the keeper and then Villa and Messi both struck again to wrap up the scoring.

It will sound as a warning to Los Galacticos who face Levante. Pep Guardiola denied there was ever a problem inside the dressing room and that he was never worried by the criticism.

"I was not furious, people said I was angry but it was not the case. Obviously there's a part of the media which wants Barca to do badly and likewise there's a section which wants Real Madrid to do so," Guardiola stated.